Unterlinden Museum
Grand Est
The Unterlinden Museum, located in Colmar, France, is a distinguished art museum housed within a former 13th-century Dominican convent. It is celebrated primarily for its extensive collection of Upper Rhine art from the 15th and 16th centuries, epitomized by the world-famous Isenheim Altarpiece displayed in the old convent church. The museum's collections span a broad historical range, including archaeological artifacts, medieval art, decorative arts, and popular Alsatian traditions. Since 2015, modern and contemporary artworks have been exhibited in a striking extension designed by Herzog & de Meuron, complementing the historic cloister and convent structures. The museum's origins date back to 1853 when the former convent buildings were repurposed to house regional artworks and objects confiscated during the French Revolution. Managed by the Société Schongauer, the museum holds the official "Musée de France" designation, reflecting its cultural importance. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits, from Gallo-Roman mosaics to 20th-century French and German modern art, including works by Monet, Picasso, and Dubuffet. The Unterlinden Museum thus offers a unique journey through art history within a remarkable architectural setting, blending medieval heritage with contemporary creativity.
Planifiez votre voyage en France avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: Visit the museum from Wednesday to Monday between 9 AM and 6 PM, with last entry at 5:30 PM; it is closed on Tuesdays and certain holidays. It is advisable to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid queues. The museum offers discounts for eligible visitors. Exploring the museum in spring or autumn allows for a pleasant experience in Colmar’s mild climate. Check the official website for temporary exhibitions and special events to enhance your visit.
Faits intéressants
- •The Isenheim Altarpiece, the museum’s most famous artwork, is a masterpiece of early 16th-century religious art created by Matthias Grünewald.
- •The museum is located in a former Dominican convent dating back to the 13th century, preserving Gothic architecture including a cloister and the old convent church.
- •The modern extension housing contemporary art was designed by the renowned Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron and opened in 2015.
- •The museum’s collections include a Gallo-Roman mosaic from the 3rd century discovered in Bergheim, reflecting the region’s ancient history.
- •The Société Schongauer, which manages the museum, has overseen its development for over 150 years, emphasizing regional heritage preservation.
Histoire
The Unterlinden Museum is housed in a former 13th-century Dominican convent in Colmar.
After the nuns left during the French Revolution, the buildings served as a military barracks until the mid-19th century.
The museum was founded in 1853 by the Société Schongauer to preserve regional artworks, including those seized during the Revolution.
Over time, its collections expanded to include medieval, archaeological, decorative, and modern art.
In 2015, a modern extension by Herzog & de Meuron was added to accommodate contemporary art collections, marking a significant evolution in the museum's history.
Guide du lieu
Isenheim Altarpiece1512-1516
This iconic early 16th-century altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald is the centerpiece of the museum, renowned for its vivid and dramatic religious imagery. It is displayed in the former convent church, allowing visitors to appreciate its spiritual and artistic significance in a fitting historic setting.
Medieval Cloister and Convent Architecture13th century
The museum is centered around the well-preserved 13th-century Gothic cloister and convent buildings of the Dominican order, offering a glimpse into medieval monastic life and architecture in Alsace.
Modern and Contemporary Art Extension2015
Designed by Herzog & de Meuron and opened in 2015, this modern architectural addition hosts the museum's collection of 20th and 21st-century art, including works by Monet, Picasso, and Dubuffet, bridging historic and contemporary artistic expressions.
Archaeological Collection
Located in the museum's basement, this collection includes artifacts from various periods of human history in the region, such as domestic objects and funerary items, including a notable 3rd-century Gallo-Roman mosaic from Bergheim.
Decorative Arts and Alsatian Traditions
The first-floor exhibits feature a diverse array of decorative arts, including 17th to 19th-century furniture, faience, porcelain, and religious and secular goldsmith works, alongside displays of Alsatian culinary and folk traditions.
Contact
Téléphone: 03 89 20 15 50
